Mumbai, June 21: Former captain Michael Vaughan is astonished by England's decision to bowl first on a dry Headingley wicket, a decision that backfired as India finished at 359 for 3 on day one of the first Test here. Vaughan said the current England team's strength is definitely its batting department and not its bowling. Vaughan's surprise stems from the fact that the conditions were hot and humid with the wicket offering hardly any assistance to the bowlers. The decision backfired as skipper Shubman Gill (127 not out) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) made merry on a dry surface to power India to a commanding position. Shubman Gill To be Fined for Wearing Black Socks? Indian Captain Could Attract Penalty for Violating ICC's Clothing and Equipment Rule During IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025 Day 1.

"I am an old school traditionalist. Here at Leeds, when the sun is shining, with dry weather, you bat. You look at the England side and their strength is in the batting. And there is inexperience in the bowling at the moment. Ben (Stokes) clearly had a gut feeling, and sometimes it has worked," Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

Since Stokes became captain in 2022 with Brendon McCullum as coach, England have preferred to field first. Stokes' decision might also have been influenced by the recent record at this ground, with the side fielding first in the last six Tests going on to win the match. But Vaughan differs.

"You always have to pick your decisions on that moment, and not things that you did here years ago or at other times. It can't affect what the decision is today," he said. IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Tons Power India To Record 359/3 Against England.

"It was a good pitch, so it's not easy to restrict runs. Ben Stokes is still positive and he will come back tomorrow saying 'let's get seven wickets'. We won't know that for sure until we see Jasprit Bumrah bowl on it. He can bowl you out with anything. Until I see that, I will hold my judgement on how flat this pitch is," he added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)